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First Reading

by Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD

First Reading offers exegetical resources for the Old Testament Lectionary reading each week. Dr. Rachel Wrenn is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Capital University), Rosy Kandathil is a PhD candidate in Hebrew Bible at Emory University, Dr. Tim McNinch is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Christian Theological Seminary, and Paul Essah is a PhD student in Hebrew Bible at Yale University. In addition to short weekly episodes, they periodically invite a leading Hebrew Bible scholar for a longer conversation about the nitty-gritty of the week's text.

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Episodes

  1. Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4

    From the Vault Lectionary Date: October 5, 2025 [17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Preaching from Habakkuk this week? Consider these episodes from the First Reading vault: Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social...

  2. Amos 6:1a, 4–7

    Party Episode! Lectionary Date: September 28, 2025 [16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] It's a party episode: all four of us discuss Amos's scathing critique. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media…

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  3. Amos 8:4–7

    God Remembers Lectionary Date: September 21, 2025 [15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul and Rosy are back for a conversation about economic exploitation—nothing new under the sun! Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks...

  4. Exodus 32:7–14

    Repentance Lectionary Date: September 14, 2025 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy and Paul discuss the theme of repentance in all of this week's readings. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media...

  5. Deuteronomy 30:15–20

    Choosing Life Lectionary Date: September 7, 2025 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul puts Moses and Jesus into conversation to discuss what it means to "choose life." Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social...

  6. Proverbs 25:6–7

    Genuine Humility Lectionary Date: August 31, 2025 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] What do pride and humility actually look like? Rosy sees a theme in this week's lectionary readings! Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your...

  7. Isaiah 58:9b–14

    From the Vault: God's Call Lectionary Date: August 24, 2025 [11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] We'll be back with new full episodes starting next week! In the meantime, here's an episode on this week's lectionary text from the First Reading vault! Please take a moment to subscribe to the First...

  8. Summer Shorts: Isaiah 5:1–7

    A Painful Conversation Lectionary Date: August 17, 2025 [10th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul explores a painful AND hopeful dialogue between Israel and God, in the vineyard metaphor. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your...

  9. Summer Shorts: Genesis 15:1–3

    Faith that Does No Harm Lectionary Date: August 10, 2025 [9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy traces the theme of faith through all of this week's readings. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media...

  10. Summer Shorts: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12–14; 2:18–23

    An Invitation to Discernment of Wisdom Lectionary Date: August 3, 2025 [8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Tim's turn to point out a tension between Qohelet's wisdom and Jesus's parable. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your…

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  11. Summer Shorts: Genesis 18:20–32

    Righteousness and Justice Lectionary Date: July 27, 2025 [7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rachel's back with the next (and very different) installment of the Abraham story. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and…

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  12. Summer Shorts: Genesis 18:1–10a

    Life Bubbles Up Lectionary Date: July 20, 2025 [6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rachel's turn for a quick episode, this time on a divine visit to Abraham and Sarah! Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media...

  13. Summer Shorts: Amos 7:7–17

    Be Bold! Lectionary Date: July 13, 2025 [5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul again, bringing out the boldness of Amos's message. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!

  14. Summer Shorts: 2 Kings 5:1–14

    A Different Kind of Power Lectionary Date: July 6, 2025 [4th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul is up with a brief reflection on the power dynamics in this week's Old Testament lectionary readings. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with...

  15. Summer Shorts: 1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21

    Commitment Issues Lectionary Date: June 29, 2025 [3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy is back again with a few thoughts about "commitment issues" in this week's readings. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and…

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  16. Summer Shorts: Isaiah 65:1–9

    Summer Shorts are Back! Lectionary Date: June 22, 2025 [2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy kicks off our summer series with some thoughts on Isaiah, Luke, and the Psalm. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and…

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  17. Genesis 11:1–9

    Pentecost: Babel All Over Again Lectionary Date: June 8, 2025 [Pentecost Sunday, Year C] For Pentecost, we are back in the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament, with a look at the Tower of Babel story. But first, Tim makes a few connections to the Pentecost narrative in Acts 2. Please take a moment to...

  18. Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

    Hebrew Bible Scholars Read Revelation! Lectionary Date: June 1, 2025 [7th Sunday of Easter, Year C] Rachel concludes our Revelation series with a look at the close of the letter, its context, and its impact for us today! Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and...

  19. Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5

    Hebrew Bible Scholars Read Revelation! Lectionary Date: May 25, 2025 [6th Sunday of Easter, Year C] Tim's turn to say a few words about the new Jerusalem pictured in Revelation... and also a bit about eschatology and teleology for the nerds. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading...

  20. Revelation 21:1–6

    Hebrew Bible Scholars Read Revelation! Lectionary Date: May 18, 2025 [5th Sunday of Easter, Year C] Rachel's up to give us some insight into the appearance of a new heavens and new earth at the end of the book. Spoiler alert! Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel,...

  21. Revelation 7:9–17

    Party Episode: Hebrew Bible Scholars Read Revelation! Lectionary Date: May 11, 2025 [4th Sunday of Easter, Year C] All four of us are together to celebrate Easter with a look at the gathered multitudes in Revelation 7. What happens when Hebrew Bible scholars read Revelation???

  22. Revelation 5:11–14

    Hebrew Bible Scholars Read Revelation! Lectionary Date: May 4, 2025 [3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C] Tim explores the upside down imagery and symbolism of Revelation's slain lamb.

  23. Revelation 1:4–8

    Hebrew Bible Scholars Read Revelation! Lectionary Date: April 27, 2025 [2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C] We begin a new Easter series on Revelation (the lectionary omits Old Testament readings during Easter, grrrr). Rachel gives us the scoop on context!

  24. Isaiah 65:17–25

    New Creation! Lectionary Date: April 20, 2025 [Easter Sunday, Year C] What? Preach from the Old Testament on Easter Sunday?! Tim digs into this prophetic poem all about new creation.

  25. Luke 19:28–40

    Ominous Praise Lectionary Date: April 13, 2025 [Palm/Passion Sunday, Year C] Rachel goes directly to the Gospel reading this week (she promises she is still a Hebrew Bible scholar!).

  26. Isaiah 43:16–21

    Lent Party! Lectionary Date: April 6, 2025 [5th Sunday in Lent, Year C] For the 5th Sunday in Lent, we have a party episode to explore God's renewal bursting forth.

  27. Joshua 5:1–9

    It's About the Community Lectionary Date: March 30, 2025 [4th Sunday in Lent, Year C] Paul highlights the communal nature of this scene on the west bank of the Jordan River.

  28. Isaiah 55:1–9

    Hoi! Listen Up: It's a Message of Generosity Lectionary Date: March 23, 2025 [3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C] Rosy digs into the covenantal flavor of Isaiah's soaring prophetic song.

  29. Genesis 15:1–12, 17–18

    Descendants and Land Lectionary Date: March 16, 2025 [2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C] Paul tries to unpack the mysterious vision of God's promise to Abram.

  30. Deuteronomy 26:1–11

    My Ancester was a Perishing Aramean Lectionary Date: March 9, 2025 [First Sunday in Lent, Year C] Rosy explores the firstfruits liturgy from Deuteronomy—but stick around for her masterful connection to the temptation scene in Luke's Gospel!

  31. Exodus 34:29–35

    Transfigurations: Moses, Jesus, and Us Lectionary Date: March 2, 2025 [Transfiguration Sunday, Year C] Rachel and Tim discuss Moses's shiny (?) face, the apostle Paul's comments about it, and Jesus's Transfiguration. We cover a ton of ground in this episode!

  32. Genesis 45:3–11, 15

    Finding Agency in Impossible Situations Lectionary Date: February 23, 2025 [7th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Paul is up with some reflections on the climax of the Genesis Joseph novella—both its "Hallmark-ish" quality and its reflection of real-life trauma.

  33. Jeremiah 17:5–10; Psalm 1; Luke 6:17–26

    Kidneys? Lectionary Date: February 16, 2025 [6th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Rachel finds an important thread running through all three lectionary texts this week… and "kidneys."

  34. Isaiah 6:1–8, (9–13)

    Here am I Lectionary Date: February 9, 2025 [5th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Paul explores the prophet Isaiah's iconic call story.

  35. Psalm 71:1–6

    Our Refuge Lectionary Date: February 2, 2025 [4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Rachel digs into the poetic Hebrew of the Psalm reading for the week!

  36. Nehemiah 8 and Psalm 19

    Reading and Interpretation Lectionary Date: January 26, 2025 [3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Three of our hosts are together for a party episode about the public proclamation of God's word!

  37. Isaiah 62:1–5

    That's "Right"! Lectionary Date: January 19, 2025 [2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Rosy is up, and she explores the "rightness" of this beautiful prophetic text.

  38. Isaiah 43:1–7

    You are My Beloved Lectionary Date: January 12, 2025 [Baptism of the Lord, Year C] Tim peeks under the hood of a beautiful poem about God's love.

  39. Jeremiah 31:7–14

    Looking Back ... Looking Forward Lectionary Date: January 5, 2025 [2nd Sunday after Christmas, Year C] Rosy sets the context for contemplating a new season ... or new year?

  40. 1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26

    And He Grew Up... Lectionary Date: December 29, 2024 [1st Sunday after Christmas, Year C] For this Christmas lection, we look at the stories of two boys who grew up in preparation for their special callings.

  41. Micah 5:2–5a

    Advent is here!!! Lectionary Date: December 22, 2024 [4th Sunday of Advent, Year C] In our final Advent episode of 2024, Paul and the gang (recording in person at the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting in San Diego) take a look at the political context and powerful imagery of the…

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  42. Zephaniah 3:14–20

    Advent is here!!! Lectionary Date: December 15, 2024 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C] For the 3rd week of Advent, Rachel takes us to the lesser-known prophet Zephaniah, who introduces a new aspect of God's profile.

  43. Malachi 3:1–4

    Advent is here!!! Lectionary Date: December 8, 2024 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C] For the 2nd Sunday in Advent, Rosy highlights the tension in the coming of God's "messenger." We're coming to you from our conference in San Diego!

  44. Jeremiah 33:14–16

    Advent is here!!! Lectionary Date: December 1, 2024 [1st Sunday of Advent, Year C] Advent is here! And First Reading has you covered, with episodes recorded in person at our professional convention in San Diego. For Advent 1, Tim looks at the prophet Jeremiah's claim that God will hold unfaithful...

  45. 2 Samuel 23:1–7; John 18:33–37

    First Reading Episode #300!!! Lectionary Date: November 24, 2024 [Reign of Christ Sunday, Year B] It's a special party episode of First Reading, as we celebrate our 300th episode! All four hosts take a few minutes to share what has been meaningful to them about this podcasting journey. Then, we...

  46. 1 Samuel 1:4–20; 2:1–10

    Birth Pangs of a New Reality Lectionary Date: November 17, 2024 [26th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Rosy opens up the story of Hannah in conversation with Jesus's "little apocalypse" in Mark.

  47. Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

    Uncovering and Covering Lectionary Date: November 10, 2024 [25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Paul explores the theological impact of Ruth's vulnerability and its redemptive power.

  48. Ruth 1:1–18

    A Migrant Invasion Lectionary Date: November 3, 2024 [24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Rosy encourages us to preach the story of a migrant family facing discrimination, as these themes also swirl in our own political moment.

  49. Job 42:1–6, 10–17

    Peace in the Midst of Mysterious Suffering Lectionary Date: October 27, 2024 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] Paul and Rosy pick up our ongoing conversation in the book of Job this lectionary season. This week, Paul highlights Job's shift in tone after an overwhelming barrage of divine...

  50. Job 38:1–7, (34–41)

    Party Episode! God's (Non)Answer to Job Lectionary Date: October 20, 2024 [22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] In this party episode, all four First Reading hosts wrestle with God's enigmatic response to Job out of the whirlwind.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

First Reading offers exegetical resources for the Old Testament Lectionary reading each week. Dr. Rachel Wrenn is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Capital University), Rosy Kandathil is a PhD candidate in Hebrew Bible at Emory University, Dr. Tim McNinch is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Christian Theological Seminary, and Paul Essah is a PhD student in Hebrew Bible at Yale University. In addition to short weekly episodes, they periodically invite a leading Hebrew Bible scholar for a longer conversation about the nitty-gritty of the week's text.

HOSTED BY

Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD

Produced by First Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does First Reading have?

First Reading currently has 344 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is First Reading about?

First Reading offers exegetical resources for the Old Testament Lectionary reading each week. Dr. Rachel Wrenn is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Capital University), Rosy Kandathil is a PhD candidate in Hebrew Bible at Emory University, Dr. Tim McNinch is...

How often does First Reading release new episodes?

First Reading publishes regularly with 344 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

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You can listen to First Reading on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts First Reading?

First Reading is created and hosted by Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhD.
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